You know you’re supposed to be working on it—your author platform. If you’re like most writers, the word “platform” brings up visions of soul-draining promotional activities that most of us wish we could pawn off on a full-time publicity department. But the reality is that we’re usually “stuck” tackling thisContinue Reading
Do you regularly experience writing fears? You know, like fear of failure, rejection, writer’s block, not being good enough, etc. If so, congratulations! You’re perfectly normal. But during this Halloween season, let me warn you—your writing fears will prevent you from reaching your goals if you let them. They’ll distractContinue Reading
If you’re interested in food writing, check out freelance writer Elizabeth’s story. by Elizabeth Ann Quirino I have always worked as a writer. As soon as I graduated from college with a degree in BA Communication Arts from St. Paul University (Manila, Philippines), I worked as a copywriter for anContinue Reading
The biggest emotional challenge for me has been self-doubt. It took me SO LONG to give myself permission to write the book of my heart. I have been in love with words and the effects of words all my life. Every book I’ve ever loved made me want to createContinue Reading
When you wake up in the middle of the night, do you have trouble going back to sleep? If this happens now and then, it’s no big deal. But if it starts happening frequently, your health may suffer. There’s an actual name for it: middle-of-the-night insomnia. Or middle insomnia. Cute,Continue Reading
I always thought the hard part of being a writer would be getting published. And that was a challenge; I was rejected over a hundred times for my first two books, books I ended up trunking. I got my agent with my third book, Jester, and after lots more rejectionContinue Reading
As a writer, you may find that you have to prove yourself over and over again. For years. Probably for your entire career. This can be discouraging, particularly after you’ve been writing for a while. I know what I’m doing, you think. I’ve paid my dues. Shouldn’t it get easierContinue Reading
Can you boost your author platform by writing for magazines? I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Kerrie for years, and was honored when she asked me to contribute to her book, “Writer’s Digest Guide to Magazine Writing.” Here, Kerrie generously shares her story of how she got started writing forContinue Reading
When was the last time you composed handwritten notes? Author and leadership coach Carrie Pierce wrote a book about why you may want to get back into the habit! There’s something about getting cards, notes, and letters that’s both exciting and unexpected. They lend a unique and very special connectionContinue Reading
How is your writing business going? Are you experiencing progress and success, or do you feel like you’re spinning your wheels? Sometimes when we’re trying to figure out what’s working and what’s not, it’s easier to focus on the negative than the positive—it can offer a bit more clarity. BelowContinue Reading
The biggest emotional challenge of being a writer has to do with the uncertainty of the effect of my work on an unknown reader. As a physician, I had regular feedback, sometimes immediately, from my patients. It was gratifying to know I had helped someone. As a writer, the firstContinue Reading
Conducting a writing workshop can be a good way to get your name out there, gain new readers, and broaden your network. It can also help you sharpen your message and learn more about how you can help others. I’ve spoken and presented at many writers’ events around the country,Continue Reading